FOSTER LEARNER EXCELS AGAINST THE ODDS

By Tendamudzimu Goza

• After losing his mother in 2017, young Paki Mathela had many obstacles to overcome in becoming a top learner in the Class of 2024 where he achieved five distinctions in the science stream.
• Mathela is a beneficiary of the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s foster care programme.
• Going through difficult situations does not have to limit you from being your best self, he says to other young people going through tough times.

At just 18 Paki Mathela, from Doornkop in Johannesburg, has proven that resilience and determination can overcome even the toughest challenges.

A beneficiary of the Gauteng Department of Social Development’s foster care programme, Mathela recently completed his matric with outstanding results, achieving five distinctions.

As part of the Class of 2024 at Luthando High School in Impendle, KwaZulu-Natal, Mathela was one of the top-performing learners in the science stream.

His social worker, Philisiwe Baweni, spoke highly of him, saying: “It has been an amazing experience working with him. He is humble, smart, determined, and wise beyond his years. He projects grace and confidence; he is going far in life. He is coming for everything.”

Mathela’s journey has not been easy. In 2017, he lost his mother in a tragic accident. His legal guardian immediately stepped in to raise him and partnered with social workers to provide the support he needed.

Recognising his academic potential, his guardian made a life-changing decision in 2020, enrolling him at Luthando High School after a teacher recommended the school. This move allowed Mathela to refocus on his studies, reclaiming his position among the top achievers.

Despite facing language barriers, having previously studied Setswana before transitioning to isiZulu, Mathela adapted quickly and excelled. “When I got to KwaZulu-Natal, it was not easy because I had to switch from Setswana to isiZulu. I had to study harder to understand and write in the language,” he explained.

Initially aspiring to study medicine, Mathela later found inspiration in the work of civil engineers and chose to pursue a degree in civil engineering at the University of Cape Town.

He hopes his story will inspire other young people facing adversity.

“Going through difficult situations doesn’t have to limit you from being your best self and unlocking your fullest potential.

“It’s not always easy, but life doesn’t revolve around one situation. You need to learn to move on, and one day you’ll look back and be proud of what you achieved,” he said. 

He also expressed gratitude to the department for its support. His foster mother echoed his sentiments, highlighting the impact of the foster care grant.

“The grant helped me raise him, and when he was studying in KwaZulu-Natal, I used it to pay for his rent and food.

“I am so proud of him for achieving such great marks against the odds,” she said.

She also thanked the department’s social workers for their support, describing the collaboration as a “fruitful partnership.”

Mathela’s story indicates the power of perseverance, the importance of a strong support system, and the role social development programmes play in shaping young futures.